Miles Clark Award Winners return to tell their epic tales

Last night a packed Moser Library was inspired by the adventures of some of last year's Miles Clark Travel award holders.  

First up was Ed Scott (Rt), Sam Unsworth (S) and George Hankin (O) recalling their 'Walking of the 'Stans.'  Mountains were climbed and local dentists visited as they braved the wilds of this off-the-beaten-track area of travel.  

Orlando Bayliss (Rt) then casually told of his solo cycling odyssey from home in Shropshire to Istanbul. Taking a variety of brilliant wild camping shots, Orlando averaged an astonishing 98 miles a day, including being passed by an Albanian man firing a gun out of his sun roof!  

It was then the turn of John Williams (R) and Ben Weston (R) who heroically cycled across the USA over two months. Having Route 66 to themselves due to flood damaged bridges was a particular highlight, living off burgers and not seeing fresh fruit until they reached Florida - perhaps not...  

On last was Ed Scott (Rt) again as he recalled his successful completion of the Marathon des Sables for the charity Walking with the Wounded. As one of the youngest ever competitors, Ed had the audience enthralled as he told of sand, sun, wind, blisters and the power of human comradeship in order to cross the finish line.  

All advised the current Salopians to use their imagination, to look beyond 'Australia and S/E Asia' and not let the details get in the way. In short, as all adventurers say, 'just go.'  

The Miles Clark Award is offered to departing U6 who attempt adventurous travel during their Gap Year or between leaving school and starting university. To find out more, click here.